Sculptural presence

The kitchen may be the most hard-working room in a large lifestyle lodge, but practical requirements do not exclude outstanding aesthetics, as this pared-back design proves.

Form, tone, materials and attention to the tiniest detail are the hallmarks of this kitchen, part of the Elephant Hill Winery Lodge, designed by architect John Blair.

The owner had requested the kitchen follow the look of Minotti kitchen furniture.

"We wanted the space to form part of the living areas," says the owner. "The aim was to achieve an artistic ambiance with fittings that look more like understated furniture as opposed to workstations."

The design was drawn up by an architectural firm in Germany, manufactured there and shipped to New Zealand.

Recessed cabinetry pulls and purpose-specific storage that leaves the counters clutter free contribute to the abstract feel of the kitchen design.

Materials help link the room to adjacent areas. The countertops in limestone echo the limestone floors, while the walnut wood was chosen to match a large table in the dining room.

"Color was another very important consideration, too," says the owner. "The cabinet surfaces are custom matched to the stonework found right through the interiors. "

In terms of function, the kitchen divides neatly in two, with a service area nearest the dining room, and another area for cooking.

As befits a kitchen on the grounds of a large winery, the range of appliances includes a dedicated wine cabinet with individual cooling sections.

John Blair's interior layouts are designed to optimize views throughout and this area is no exception. In the kitchen, as elsewhere in the space, the design draws the gaze towards the giant picture window and the vineyard and sea beyond.

Story by: Trendsideas